PWD rights party-list files complaint vs ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast at NBI

MANILA — 1PWD Party-List has filed a complaint at the National Bureau of Investigation against the hosts of podcast “Machong Chismisan” over comments mocking Kris Aquino’s son, Josh, who is a person with disability.

The NBI last week issued subpoenas to the podcast hosts last week and told them to appear before its Cybercrime Division on Tuesday, October 19.

1PWD first nominee JD Castro said the party-list also wants the podcast’s producers and the network that published it investigated for putting the episode online.

“Even with the apology, the damage has been done,” Castro said of statements from hosts and the show. 

Castro said the complaint is not just for Aquino “but for the whole sector” as he stressed no one should be subjected to injustice or ridicule because of their condition.

1PWD’s complaint referral invokes the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

The group said the podcast incident could be a landmark case in strengthening the protection of PWD rights.

Castro also underscored the need for greater public awareness and education on laws protecting persons with disabilities.

He said some parents of children with autism are unaware of the legal protections available to them. 

The National Council on Disability Affairs reminded the public last week that jokes, mockery and abusive statements targeting PWDs is punishable with from six months to two years in prison and fines of from P50,000 to P100,000.

Subsequent offenses carry heavier penalties of two to six years in prison and fines of from P100,000 to P200,000.